Tuesday 8th April 2025
2.32 Pontefract: Tommy Hepple Memorial Handicap: The first of my three selections from Pontefract on Tuesday comes within the 2.32 and this is a Class 5 handicap that’s contested over a mile and four furlongs. I like Billy No Mates here for Michael Dods and Connor Beasley. He’ll contest this race off a mark of 67 which is eight pounds below his last winning mark. He’s also gone well fresh in the past and shouldn’t have any issue with the current good-to-soft going have won on a variety of different grounds. He’s currently trading at a best price of 7/1 and looks a solid each-way play. Billy No Mates – 7/1 (Each-Way)
3.32 Pontefract: Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap: My second selection of the afternoon comes within the 3.32 and this is a Class 2 handicap that’s contested over five furlongs. I’m staying loyal to Ventura Express here for Paul Midgley and Jason Hart. He’s been knocking on the door in his last couple of outings with his most recent run coming at Newcastle in Class 2 company when finishing three-quarters of a length second to the progressive Paddy’s Day. I put him up on that occasion and won’t be deserting him here off the same mark and with race fitness on his side. Ventura Express – 7/1 (Each-Way)
4.42 Pontefract: Celebrating The Life Of Cheryl Hibbert Handicap: The third and final selection comes within the 4.42 and we have a Class 6 handicap that’s also ridden over a distance of five furlongs. I like Herakles here who’s another for Paul Midgley and this time ridden by David Nolan. He’ll contest this particular affair off two pounds below his last winning mark and steps down in grade having contested Class 4 and 5 events on each of his last three starts. He’s another runner who will be race fit having had a spin on the all-weather at Newcastle last month and I think he can post a bold bid in this. Herakles – 11/2 (Each-Way)
